It ended with a 27-year-old Hamilton man facing a number of charges after a minivan sped away from police with a baby and toddler in the back seat. Hamilton police said the driver's licence was suspended.

The incident began April 10 just after 9 a.m. when Hamilton police said they observed a man operating a 2000 Mazda MVP while using "a handheld communication device."

Police tried to stop the vehicle but dropped what would have been a high-speed pursuit "due to public safety concerns."

Police located the Mazda on Garfield Avenue, a dead end street.

Police allege the driver and a woman who had originally been the passenger in the van had now switched places, with the woman driving. The vehicle was stopped without incident and the original driver was placed under arrest.

Further investigation revealed that the driver is currently on a Canada-wide suspension for previously failing to stop for police. In addition to the woman in the vehicle, police also discovered a 20-month-old child and a seven-week-old infant in the van. The Mazda was towed and will be held for 45 days.

A 27-year-old Hamilton man faces charges of dangerous driving, flight from police, driving while disqualified and using a hand-held communication device.

Police said his name is not being released as it may identify the other occupants in the vehicle.